A note for husbands: having a sperm test is a simple, private step, and it has nothing to do with your strength or manhood. Testing both partners early saves time, money and stress for your wife and your family. Everything you tell us stays confidential.
What is male infertility?
Male infertility means the man's sperm are not able to fertilise an egg easily. This can be because of:
- Low sperm count (oligospermia): fewer sperm than normal
- Poor movement (low motility): sperm don't swim well
- Abnormal shape (morphology): sperm are not shaped normally
- No sperm in the semen (azoospermia)
Common signs
Most men with low sperm count feel completely healthy and have a normal sex life. Often the only sign is that pregnancy hasn't happened. Some things that can point to a problem:
- Difficulty with erection or ejaculation
- Pain, swelling or a lump in the testicles
- Swollen veins in the scrotum (varicocele)
- Past mumps after childhood, surgery or injury in the groin area
- Less facial or body hair, or other signs of a hormone problem
Common causes
- Varicocele (swollen veins around the testicle)
- Hormone problems
- Past infections
- Smoking, tobacco, alcohol and some medicines (including body-building steroids)
- Too much heat on the testicles, for example from long hours sitting, hot baths or a laptop on the lap
- Sometimes no clear cause is found
How it is diagnosed
The main test is a semen analysis. A sample is collected privately at the clinic and checked for sperm count, movement and shape. It is a simple test and involves no needles or procedure for the man. If the result is abnormal, the test is usually repeated, and your doctor may suggest hormone blood tests or a scan. See our fertility tests page.
Treatment options
- Lifestyle changes and medicines can improve sperm in some men. Sperm take about 3 months to develop, so changes take time to show.
- Treating a cause, such as an infection, hormone problem or varicocele, where suitable.
- IUI for mild problems: the healthiest sperm are selected and placed in the womb.
- ICSI for more serious problems: a single sperm is injected into each egg in the lab, so even a small number of sperm can be used.
- Sperm retrieval: if there are no sperm in the semen, sperm can sometimes be collected directly from the testicle with a small procedure and used for ICSI.
Things you can do
- Stop smoking and chewing tobacco (gutkha, khaini)
- Cut down or stop alcohol
- Keep a healthy weight and stay active
- Wear loose underwear, avoid hot baths, and take breaks from long sitting
- Don't take body-building steroids or supplements without advice
- Tell your doctor about all medicines you take
Common questions
Is infertility always the woman's problem?
No. This is a common myth. Men and women are both affected. In many couples, a male factor is part of the cause, which is why we test both partners.
If I feel healthy and have a normal sex life, can I still have low sperm count?
Yes. Sperm count has nothing to do with how strong or healthy a man looks or feels. Only a semen test can tell.
Is the semen test private?
Yes. The sample is collected in a private room, and your results are shared only with you and your wife.
Can we still have a baby if my sperm count is very low?
Often, yes. With ICSI, only one healthy sperm is needed for each egg. Your doctor will explain your options after testing.